9 reasons why Ireland’s elections are the best in the world

The world loves Ireland, whether it’s the global party St. Patrick’s Day, iconic Guinness stout, or its unique and pioneering election system.

Friday is the European republic’s general election, so here are 9 reasons why Ireland's election system is (probably) the best in the world.

#1 Revolutionaries sacrificed their lives 100 years ago

In just a few weeks, Ireland will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, an armed insurrection against British rule which (eventually) led to an independent republic.

The 70 percent turnout in modern elections is a way Irish people honor the sacrifice of those who died before them.

Whoever wins this election will get to relish in a period of nationalism and pride among Irish people.

#2 PR-STV

During the height of war that followed the Easter Rising, an innovative new system was developed to address the nascent democracy’s political diversity.

Proportional representation through single transferable vote, otherwise known as PR-STV, started in 1922. Since then, STV has been adopted by countries such as New Zealand and cities like Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The system allows voters to rank their candidates in order of preference, thus greatly reducing the number of spoiled votes found in a “first past the post” system.

With names like People Before Profit, the Anti-Austerity Alliance, and Direct Democracy on Ireland, their candidates are gaining traction and could be a key part of a left-wing minority government, similar to those recently elected in Spain and Portugal.

While Adams consistently denies ever being a member of the IRA amid constant accusations, particularly by right-wing media outlets, voters may not care - and instead reward the party’s stance against austerity and privatization.

Following Tuesday’s “Leaders’ Debate”, he was the most talked about on Twitter and Facebook.

#8 Candid Candidates

Irish politicians have no problem expressing themselves or shame saying exactly how they really feel, at least about each other.

Labour TD Ann Phelan stormed out of a radio debate this week expressing her disdain for her opponents: “I’m fed up with the whole bloody lot of you.”

Phelan later defended storming out, claiming she was “tired and hungry.” We’ve all been there, all is forgiven.

#9 Read the signs

While the printing industry collapses everywhere else, Ireland sees a massive resurgence in business every couple of years when election candidates are desperate to cover every available lamppost with giant cardboard pictures of their head.